Liberal leadership hopeful stops in Strathroy

Pupatello made a brief appearance at Duke on the Sydenham restaurant to discuss her platform and meet with local Liberal supporters.

As a former cabinet minister with portfolios including social and community services, education, and economic development and trade, Pupatello feels well qualified to be the leader of the Liberals and Ontario’s next premier.

Pupatello says her number one priority is job creation.

“We need to get our province firing on all cylinders,” says Pupatello. “Bringing a greater number of jobs and investment to our province would see every sector flourish.”

Before she had an opportunity to speak with local Liberal supports, several members of the Middlesex-Lambton Wind Action Group approached Pupatello. They wanted to know her views on the current wind turbine projects in this region.

Pupatello indicated that, moving forward, there needs to be a more balanced appeal process. However, she didn’t comment on the current projects.

“I really believe we need a third-party process when it comes to the appeals process,” said Pupatello. “I can understand your frustration when it’s the government running the appeals.”

Pupatello also indicated that only willing host municipalities should be involved in future projects.

Ester Wrightman, an active member of the Middlesex-Lambton Wind Action Group, showed Pupatello a map indicating where all proposed turbines are in this region. They stretch from Grand Bend to Strathroy.